Former interim WBO lightweight title challenger Kevin Mitchell has admitted defeat in his efforts to fight full champion Ricky Burns on July 14th at his beloved West Ham United’s Boleyn Ground.

The 27 year-old, who has fought just twice in the two years since losing to Michael Katsidis at the same venue, was hoping to erase the memory of his solitary defeat to the Aussie and saw the Scot as a perfect opportunity to become a world title holder.

“I’ve been in the gym training for two months for this fight but it seems he just doesn’t want to defend the title against me at Upton Park,” Mitchell told London24.com.

“I will give him until September to agree to fight me. I’ll even go up to Scotland and beat him before his own fans, but if it is not signed I’ll look for another world title fight.”

Burns, 29, got married in the summer, one of a number of stumbling blocks in negotiations and looks likely to defend his belt in the autumn in his native Scotland, with Mitchell still one of the names in the frame.

The controversial fight between David Haye and Dereck Chisora tops the bill at Upton Park next month and whether Mitchell can be handed a six or eight-round slot on the card is now doubtful with the timescale involved.

Burns owned Mitchell's daddy.
You gotta love Burns. Can't punch a lick but he's in there throwing like he can.
Great warrior who uses all his ring smarts and savvy as well as guts to get his wins.
Mitchell folded like a freshly pressed shirt when tagged, Burns came back with fire when he got c...

[QUOTE=Blairhoyle792]Kevin is in no position to tyry and dictate when he fights Burns he is only one of a number of challengers,Burns will destroy Mitchell and close his big ****ney mouth up once and for all.
Rumour has it Burns beat Mitchell up in sparring so much Jimmy Tibbs jumped in the ring ...

Get the fight made.
Find out who the best lightweight in Britain is & then the winner can fight the big names.
Mitchell needs to become more active though, not enough fights since he got his ass taxed by Katsidis.